"always smiling and always will"...a moto of mine that has stuck with me for years. Loving life since my transplant! Taking on various challenges from the Bupa Great South Run; UK, European & World Transplant Games in various sports; travelling the globe & sailing in the Clipper 11-12 Race. This year competing with Team GB in the World Transplant Games, South Africa

Jussie sails with Clipper 11-12

I sailed the last leg (8) in 2012 - USA,Nova Scotia,Ireland,Netherlands & UK. Travelling 4,000 miles, approx 22 days at sea, with 4 races in this leg.

Thursday, 17 January 2013

I am beginning a new chapter in my life, turning 40 on February 12th and they say life begins at 40 or is that 50? lol. I have been thinking a lot, over many weeks, months and the last year perhaps two, about new directions and what I want from life! I am in a very happy place and just believe I can be even happier :)

My focus as most people know has been on the transplant games:- British, European and World Games; raising awareness globally on Organ Donation and LAM disease; networking with people across the globe with other illnesses/pre and post transplant; making friends, and achieving challenges (that most people fit and well wouldn't even consider). Also, to finish writing my life story - still struggling with this - one day!!

I guess, I have reached a point whereby my outlook is different now, I have focused a lot on the transplant community, which I love dearly and all the amazing/inspiring people along the way. This has been for about 6 - 7 years now. Also, doing other goals such as last year in the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race.

I push and train my body so hard, sometimes up to 5 times a week in various sport disciplines. I am left tired and exhausted from pushing my body a lot, and sometimes suffer from this. Having gone through LAM disease and my transplant and last year some may remember I was also diagnosed with Obliterative Bronchitis (OB) which is a rare and life-threatening form of non-reversible obstructive lung disease in which the bronchioles (small airway branches) are compressed and narrowed by fibrosis (scar tissue) and/or inflammation. Some patients experience rapid loss of lung function and die in a few months. Others progress slowly, followed by prolonged stability.I am lucky at the moment, as I have become stable and now know I can live for many years, and believe exercise IS helping me and my positive outlook and zest for life and living! And since, I have also met and spoken with people with OB even 20 years later on still alive! Regardless of this, transplant IS an extension NOT a cure, and I know every day, week, month, year - a real bonus. To still be breathing truly amazing! xBut, no one is secure - as a bus could knock me or anyone down. It's a lesson regardless really to live and enjoy life, as no one knows what is around the corner. Hence, why I also like to travel and see as much of the world as I can :)Last year, about November time I joined Essex Boot Camp and this has opened my eyes to a new form of fitness, which I am loving and getting more benefits than going to a gym or my other sports. From this, I have seen various types of other day events based on military/obstacles over a course challenging the mind and body both physically and mentally. I am excited by this, it is new to me, and I am meeting and making some lovely new friends. The transplant games I have done for so many years, and I have been thinking before bootcamp came into my life, that one day I would like to stop and try something new. I am competing this year in the World Transplant Games, in South Africa, and have decided that these will be my last transplant games. It doesn't mean goodbye to the transplant community, as I love all the social aspects and the friends made through these. Just means, I am ready for something new maybe for the next couple of years. I will still go to the social events to party or maybe just watch everyone else compete at the Transplant Games, and cheer you on!! xAlso, being 40 soon and single, I think it's about time I found a nice boyfriend and looked at being happy with someone. The Transplant Games dominate my life so much when I do train 5 times a week, that my social life is affected and the romance side. I don't want that anymore. If I do other events just to keep fit and can have my life back, I know that will be more rewarding for me long term. I hope you are starting to understand a little bit more. As, I've said this is not a overnight rational outburst - this has been brewing inside of me for a VERY long time. And, I think going to South Africa will be truly amazing for me and a wonderful way to finish on a high and have fantastic memories. The friends made are friends for life!! And I hope those friends from abroad that we can continue to communicate and visit each other as and when possible. xxSo any nice man - looking for a crazy red head - holla!!! hahahahahaha xxxLife is a constant learning experience and I feel like a sponge trying to take up as much as I can. I will always strive to raise awareness, that is a deep rooted passion of mine. I love my friends dearly and that will not change.Being 40 means time for change, and welcome to new exciting chapters in my life. I am hungry for something new, and already know a challenge I will train up for after the world games Tough Mudder Check the link out!!Ok lovely people - roll on 2013 and the start of a new journey in my life - are you ready!? Because I AM!!Much love as always xx

Contact ME

World Transplant Games

Website used from 2005-2009

About Me

I am very lucky to be alive after a double-lung transplant in July 2006. I suffered the rarest lung disease called, Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (Lam). I kept fighting for my life and trying to breathe each time my lung collapsed (15 times). I used to be on 24 hour oxygen to help me breathe and also wheelchair bound. At one stage I ended up in a coma (3weeks) and remained on life support for almost 2 months. I had to learn how to walk again with a zimaframe, and start to re-build my life/confidence/strength up. I want to enjoy my life with the extension this transplant has given me. My journey post transplant has been challenging with health issues, but, I try to remain as positive as possible.